Mary Margaret Barham of Phoenix, Arizona, passed peacefully on March 6, 2021, at the Huger Mercy Living Center.
Mary was born on August 21, 1926, in Hastings, Minnesota, to Dr. Herman A. and Marie M. Fasbender. Mary grew up with her four brothers and a sister, all of whom she loved dearly. Mary graduated from the University of Minnesota, married, and moved to Parker, Arizona, in the early 1950s. She worked for the National Institutes of Health at the Parker Indian Hospital as a nurse and radiologist. Mary developed strong, lasting friendships with many Colorado River Indian Reservation members before moving to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1966 with her three sons. She continued her support of the research on the impact of diabetes on native Americans until she retired in the early 1980s.
In 1984 Mary was remarried to Herbert Barham, with whom she enjoyed an active life splitting time between Phoenix and Munds Park, where they had a summer home. Mary and Herb loved playing bridge, Bunco, and social settings such as the Elks Club. They also enjoyed music, travel and delighted in spending time with their family, actively supporting their grandchildren at concerts, sporting events, school plays, and graduations. Shortly after Herb’s passing in 2017, Mary moved into the Huger Mercy Living Center, where she enjoyed her last few years.
Mary exhibited a strong sense of social commitment throughout her life. She loved helping people, whether supporting members of the Indian reservations where she worked, volunteering for student reading programs at local schools, or taking leadership roles in various organizations such as The Women’s Club of Phoenix. Mary was also deeply religious. While living in Parker, she enjoyed being the organist for the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and, after she moved to Phoenix, became a long-time supporter of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church of Phoenix.
Mary is survived by her brother, David Fasbender, her sons, Harry Carneal (and his wife Cindy), Robert Carneal (and his former wife Linda M. Carneal), Michael Carneal (and his wife Kathy), her former daughter-in-law, Linda Kirk Carneal, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Eileen, and three of her brothers Robert, Herman, and William.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, located at 2312 E. Campbell Ave, Phoenix Arizona on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 10:30am. Interment will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Mary Paula Deane
I was very sorry to hear of Aunt Mary Margaret’s passing. I hope the wonderful memories you have of her will help in the days to come.
Marcia Nelson
Rest In Peace Aunt Mary Margaret. Condolences to the family. Share those wonderful memories. God Bless. Marcia Fasbender Nelson
Suzanne Moen
Rest in peace Aunt Mary Margaret—my condolences to the family!
Susie
Anita Sterud
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the passing of Aunt Mary Margaret, she has always been a special person to us and has left us many good memories. Love and God Bless !
Ron and Anita
Olivia & Andrew Rowland
Our hearts are with your family in this sad time. May she rest peacefully.
Tom and Kellie Zupet
Rest In Peace Mary.
Our deepest condolences in these difficult time.
Mari Marcelino
My deepest condolences… She was great friend. It was an honor to have served her and her husband Herb. I miss them both.